Passport
When should I renew my passport?
Passports are normally valid for 10 years (5 years, or until age 18, for minors). You can apply for re-issue up to one year before expiry, or when the pages run out — pages cannot be added.
Can I travel after applying for re-issue?
No. The original passport is submitted with the application, so plan your travel before you apply.
My passport was lost. What should I do?
Report the loss to the police and apply for re-issue under the “Lost” category. See Passport Services.
How do I add my spouse’s name?
Apply for re-issue with an apostilled marriage certificate. A new passport is issued.
Is a handwritten passport still valid?
No. Handwritten passports are no longer valid; apply for a machine-readable passport.
Visa
Do I need to come to the Embassy?
For a regular visa, yes — fingerprints are taken at the counter (except for children under 12, adults over 70 and holders of diplomatic or official passports). Most tourists can instead apply for an e-Visa online.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Applications are received on working days, 08:30–11:30 hrs, in order of arrival.
How long does a visa take?
Usually the same day or within 3 working days for Venezuelan and Dutch nationals; up to 5 working days for other nationalities and dual nationals.
Is a yellow fever certificate required?
Yes. Travellers who live in or pass through Venezuela must be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and submit the certificate.
Can I correct a submitted online form?
No. Fill in a new application.
OCI card
Who is eligible?
Foreign nationals of Indian origin up to the great-grandchild of an Indian citizen, and foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders after 2 years of registered marriage. See OCI and PIO Card.
Can an OCI cardholder vote in India?
No. OCI cardholders cannot vote, hold constitutional posts or normally take up government jobs.
I have a new passport. Do I need a new OCI card?
Usually not — update your new passport details online on ociservices.gov.in. A new card is needed if your name or nationality changes, or the card is lost or damaged.
Payments
How do I pay consular fees?
Pay by bank deposit or transfer and attach the original receipts. Cash and cards are not accepted. See the Fee Schedule.
What is the ICWF fee?
A small contribution to the Indian Community Welfare Fund, paid separately with most consular services.